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The Author Jumps Worlds (MLP)	By : Haunter_Rayne Category: +M through R > My Little Pony Views: 14328 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own MLP or any named characters/creatures/settings. All story is for parody entertainment purposes only, not for profit

Chapter List
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**Author's Note** Alright everyone. Trouble is brewing and the Mane Six are finally gathered to deal with it. But how easy will it be to solve the mystery? Could one of their friends already suspect something? It all starts coming together now.
No sexy stuff here. The plot is thickening for some serious content. But this will remain a smut story so there will be more to come.
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Author Jumps Worlds (MLP)
By Haunter Rayne
Chapter 25 - A Foreboding Mission

As the morning progressed into early afternoon, Rainbow Dash stood at the base of the WOTC smiling with pride. “That's it Wonderbolts! Keep up that teamwork Blaze! That's it, together Dizzy! That's how we'll get through all these challenges! Hey, don't get sloppy now Thunderhoof!” Even if she was sitting on the sidelines, Dash was happy to still be playing a role in the success of her team. The fact that she was free to now rub it in Flash Magnus’ face was just an added bonus.

Beside her the armored legionnaire stepped up and couldn't believe his eyes. “Wow, look at them all go. They look like completely different ponies than what I saw yesterday. You didn't switch them out under those uniforms today did you?” He chuckled.

Rainbow Dash just kept her eyes forward on the practice and said, “Come on now, don't be sore loser. HEY, don't you make Flatfoot hold that spring open by herself!” She shouted while talking to Magnus and yelling at the squadron back and forth.

Tipping his helmet back Magnus just looked up watching the Wonderbolts train and said, “Don't worry, I'm not sorry I lost at all.” Now Dash turned to look at him upon hearing a very sincere tone from his voice. “I was never trying to bring the Wonderbolts down Dash. I never wanted them to fail and I assisted Spitfire in building this course because I already believed that they could do it.”

“Then why…” Rainbow Dash began but stopped when he looked at her apologetically.

“Listen, I was helping the only way I knew how. Back in the legion, things were always serious because we only looked at things as life or death situations. Unity is what we taught but friendship… well maybe that got left out somewhere. I'm not sorry for how hard I tried to push you all but I am sorry for the way that I treated Spitfire last night. You've shown me just how important friendship can be and I hope that I haven't ruined any chance of us being friends.

Suddenly Soarin flew out from the course and teasingly called to them both. “Aw come on Magnus, you are her War Hero. Don't go getting all sappy on her!”

Everypony laughed and Dash yelled out, “HEY! NO BREAKING FORMATION! That paw isn't going to kick itself! Get back in there and help your teammates!” She ordered.

After he finished chuckling Magnus turned to Dash and said, “So how bout it? You let me still help train the Wonderbolts for danger and you can help train me to work with them as friends?”

Rainbow Dash smiled and reached out a hoof towards him. But before she could respond it was a different pony who yelled out. “I THINK THAT'S A GREAT IDEA!” Now Dash and Magnus turned to an amber colored pegasus being pushed in a wheelchair by a hospital pony. The bandaged Wonderbolts commander looked up in awe as the squad was kicking the magical paw around like a pinata now.

“Spitfire?! What are you doing here?!” Dash called in concern and soon all of the Wonderbolts took notice before flying over to check on her.

Spitfire chuckled trying to reassure everypony that the bandage on her head wasn't as serious as it looked. The nurse pony smiled and said, “She was absolutely adamant that she HAD to come down this morning to check on things.” Immediately all of her friends bombarded her with desires for her to rest and wishes to get well soon.

“Alright, alright! That's enough!” Spitfire eventually said. “I just had to let you all know that I am really proud of you. I've been secretly watching you all for the last ten minutes. The way that you are working together is outstanding! I'm not sure what you did Crash but keep it up!”

Rainbow Dash smiled having this being one of the proudest moments of her life. “Aww, now I kinda wish my parents were here.” She said and all of the Wonderbolts started making jokes about how potentially dangerous Dash's parents can be while cheering for their daughter.

Unfortunately the merriment was quickly halted as another pegasus came flying from over the compound building. “Um, excuse me!” She called in a meek voice. Everypony looked to the newcomer as she landed down in front of them and was panting very heavily. “Hello there, please excuse me. I am terribly sorry for interrupting your practice. I know that your work is very important!”

Spitfire just looked around to the others from her wheelchair and said, “Don't worry Fluttershy, you're always welcome here. What can we do for you?”

Fluttershy smiled and took a moment to catch her breath. “The Princess of Friendship kindly requests Rainbow Dash's presence at her castle. She knows that it is one of Dash's training days but she wouldn't be asking if it wasn't important. Would it be at all possible, if you would be so kind to consider, excusing her from practice for maybe just a tinsy bit?” Fluttershy begged.

Spitfire just laughed and loudly replied, “Ha, no problem. Work for the princesses always comes first. Crash, front and center! You're going on leave for as long as Twilight needs you.”

Dash flew up and landed facing Spitfire. “But ma'am, what about the team? I was helping to take your place and you're still in no condition-"

But she was interrupted as Spitfire raised a hoof. “Not to worry. I promise all of you not to overdo it and I'm sure that Magnus here would be happy to help. If he's free that is?” She asked and he just grinned before saluting her. “Alright, it's settled then. Crash, whistle!” She demanded, holding out her hoof. Rainbow Dash of course took the chain off her neck right away. But when she stepped over to give it to Spitfire the commander suddenly pulled her in very close. “Quick, just between us thank you for everything you've done. You're a real friend and I appreciate it. Let's not make a big deal in front of the team but here's to all that sappy stuff. Thank you Dash.” She said with a wink.

Dash instantly remembered the conversation they had the other night together about Spitfire secretly liking girly stuff and Dash just nodded to her giving a wink back of her own. “Yes ma'am.”

The others looked to each other curious as to what was being whispered about. However that didn't last long as Spitfire blew her whistle and then turned towards them all. “Alright Wonderbolts! Let's get you all to the starting line. I want you to show me what you've learned on this course so that I can let Magnus yell at you to do it better!”

“YES MA'AM!” They all cheered and flew to the starting line.

Meanwhile Rainbow Dash turned towards Fluttershy and said, “Alright, let's get to the castle and see what's going on!”

- Later at the Castle of Friendship -

Twilight was sitting at the map table waiting as her friends slowly started pouring in. However she was surprised by how different today seemed from every previous time her friends had come together. First of all there was a bit of a seating rearrangement. Spike and Rarity had been the first to arrive after he had spent the night at her boutique home. He was now nestled into Rarity's lap as she sat in her proper place and they were looking as lovey dovey with each other as ever. This left Spike’s usual seat open and since Starlight was also present, Twilight didn't complain and just let Starlight have the open seat beside her for the moment.

Pinkie walked in right about the time that Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew in behind her. “Hi everypony!” Pinkie cheered out excitedly as they all took their seats. But then once they were all facing each other several of them had some very confused faces. “Wait a minute, what's going on?” Pinkie asked concerned.

Twilight looked up seeing Pinkie staring at Rainbow Dash. Immediately her face fell and she blurted out, “Oh no, Rainbow Dash are you okay?!” She said looking at the bandages that were still over the pegasus’ forehead. Dash looked to also have a black eye show from just underneath the bandage.

Everyone else also shared signs of concern but Dash just smiled and said, “Thanks, don't worry you guys. I'm okay. Practice at the Wonderbolts has just been pretty intense lately and I took a few heavy blows so some other teammates wouldn't have to. It looks worse than it is, I promise.” Everyone nodded with relief that their friend wasn't too seriously hurt. But then Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were giving off looks over towards Rarity. “Uhhh but speaking of unusual things, what's up with those two?”

Now everyone's attention was on Spike and Rarity. Spike looked a little nervous at first but Rarity was quick to give him a romantic little hug which wiped away all of his anxiety. It was Pinkie who spoke up again before anypony else could. “Aww, you two look like you're almost a couple the way that you're sitting together.”

“That's riiiigght!” Rarity called out sweetly as if her voice were a victory bell that was ringing.

Suddenly Fluttershy’s eyes spread open wide. “Wait, what?!” She said in shock.

Twilight spoke up now saying, “Yup, it's actually what it looks like. You all know that Spike has had a crush on Rarity since the two of us moved here. But now it seems that Rarity shares Spike"s feelings in return.”

There were some very astonished faces at the table and Starlight decided to add in. “Yeah, they're totally into each other. This isn't a joke. They're boyfriend and girlfriend now. Twilight just had a long talk with the two of them over it. Obviously their relationship is a little unorthodox but I'll tell you, I've been seeing them like this since yesterday and they really are quite cute together as a couple.”

While it was still a curious sight to see, the others did take a moment to consider the happiness in the eyes of the new couple staring at one another. All in the room except for one gave an approving smile to the sight of new love. That was until a scream rang out, “Cute has nothing to do with it!” Everyone jumped as the angry outburst came from the most unsuspecting source. Fluttershy was looking over with a disapproving frown.

No one was quite sure what to say now, not being used to seeing Fluttershy angry. Rarity was the first to awkwardly speak out, “Um, is there a problem darling?”

Fluttershy stomped a hoof on the table and said, “Yes, there, is! I'm sorry, I appreciate you both as friends, but I just don't know how I can be comfortable with this relationship!”

There were several dropped jaws in the room and Rainbow Dash asked, “Seriously Fluttershy? You mean it?”

Twilight looked over and added, “Can you tell us your reasoning?”

Fluttershy held a serious face as she announced. “Yes, I would be happy to. I feel that an interspecies relationship such as this is just irresponsible!” Now everyone in the room gasped.

Starlight was the one to speak up next. “But Fluttershy, you are usually so understanding and you have so much love for all walks of life. I can't believe that you feel this way.”

This seemed to only make Fluttershy more passionate though. “It's because I care so much that I feel this way! Squirrels fall in love with squirrels, bunnies fall in love with bunnies and birds fall in love with birds. But ponies do not fall in love with dragons. Spike I'm sorry, your crush on Rarity was cute because I thought it would never happen but now that it has I just cannot support this!”

Everyone looked a little heartbrokenly shocked by this news as they gave sympathetic stares towards the couple. Spike spoke up next while still holding onto Rarity's hoof. “But, I don't get it. What's so wrong about it?”

Fluttershy sighed and tried to speak softer now, “Dear Spike, the reason why partners fall in love is to make babies and continue the species. That's just the nature of things. Maybe at some point a bear and a deer might think each other is cute but that doesn't mean they shouldn't still go find another bear and deer to be with. If every animal stopped pairing with their own kind then one day there would be no more animals at all.”

Rarity was quick to counter before anypony else could respond. “But Fluttershy, we aren't trying to change the relationship status quo of the world! This is just about Spike and I. We aren't hurting anypony.”

Now Fluttershy was the one quick to respond. “Have you considered that you might be hurting each other?!” Both Rarity and Spike gave an awkward look clearly signifying that they hadn't. “Rarity tell me, it might not be right now but someday, do you want to have little foals of your own?” She then gave her friend a stern look.

Rarity now grimaced and said, “Well… yessss.”

Now Fluttershy turned to Spike. “And what about you? Do you want little dragon hatchlings of your own?”

“To be honest, I haven't really thought about it.” He said.

“Well you're going to! And what do you two do then when you are deep into a relationship together and can't have little ones?!”

Now there was a heavy silence in the air. Rarity was looking depressed, Spike was looking frustrated and everyone else was looking uncomfortable. “Okaaaay!” Starlight said trying to break the tension. “So clearly we have some strong opinions here but let's all remember that no matter what we are still friends. Also this wasn't the reason why Twilight called everyone here today so maybe we can.... oh, hello Applejack.” She said suddenly making everyone turn towards the door.

Just walking in there was a very fresh looking Applejack as she had just washed up before heading over. But she definitely had a confused look on her face. “Uh, hiya Starlight. Hi everypony. What… is going on here?”

Twilight quickly answered in a fast pace to interrupt anypony else who might have tried to answer. “Okay so the gist is that Rainbow Dash looks banged up from Wonderbolt practice but she is really okay so there is no need to worry. Rarity is now in love with Spike just like he has always been in love with her and now they are actually dating each other. We all think it's cute even if it is a little weird but Fluttershy doesn't like it at all because she has very strong feelings on interracial relationships. But none of that is what was supposed to be important right now because there's an Equestria problem which is why I asked you all here!” She said sounding a little wheezed from speaking so quickly. But then her eyes went wide as she noticed a figure standing behind Applejack. “Ah and also Rayne is here… now… on top of everything else. That's greaaat!” She said honestly trying not to sound sarcastic but failing.

Upon being announced Rayne stepped up, unintentionally looking extra attractive at the moment from also just having been cleaned up. “Hello there everypony. Hello Spike. It is an honor to finally meet your brave and gloriousness.” He said with a bow. Everyone waved to greet Rayne with Starlight, Rainbow Dash and Rarity all giving him a flirty grin. Then he looked up to Twilight and said, “I had the pleasure of seeing Applejack on the road so I offered to walk her to the castle. But if I'm intruding at a bad time…” Twilight just waved that it was no problem and levitated over a wooden seat between Starlight and Rainbow Dash.

Applejack spoke up now in response to what she was told. “Hmm. Well let's see now. Dash, I'm glad you're okay. Spike and Rarity, congratulations. As long as you're happy then I'm happy for you both. Fluttershy, I'm not sure what your hold ups are but I respect that you have ’em. It sounds like right now might not be the best time to get into it so how about you and I go to the spa later and you can tell me about them while we can stay relaxed about it? Until then it seems like we have some business to get down to. Right Twilight?” After taking her seat Applejack had single handedly settled every issue on the table and returned attention to the princess so they could get to the point of the meeting.

Twilight took a sigh of relief before she began. “Thank you Applejack… Now, girls. Err, everypony. Due to recent events we have all been asked to meet Princess Celestia and Princess Luna at the Crystal Empire.” Everyone looked around surprised at how serious the situation was starting to sound. Twilight continued saying, “No one is being blamed for anything and I want that to be perfectly clear. But our two love birds here created a bit of a situation.” Now everyone looked to Rarity and Spike who both blushed. “On the night before last is when they apparently confessed their mutual love to one another and at that time something very magical happened. From what I was told, when they shared their first ‘real’ kiss together, an explosion of magic was created which expanded all over Equestria.”

Now several ponies shouted. Applejack loudest of all. “Wait, that was from them?! It scared all the animals on the farm nearly half to death!” Twilight nodded and Rayne was sitting there wondering how he had missed something so monumental happening. Twilight hadn't said the time so he couldn't guess if he had been at Zecora's or Maud's when it happened.

Now Twilight pointed towards the Crystal Empire on the map saying, “That's not all. For some reason this wave of magic has affected the Crystal Heart. Nopony knows why yet but it is supposedly spinning out of control with a very loud hum and a bright light. Ponies can no longer go anywhere near it. We ponies of harmony are being asked to see if there is anything that we can do.” Just then though Rayne noticed that there were cutie marks fluttering around the map which everyone else seemed to be ignoring.

“It's doing what now?” Applejack asked about the Crystal Heart a little bit confused.

But before Twilight could respond, Rayne cleared his throat and pointed to the map. “Uh, excuse me. I get that this is a kind of world map but why are your cutie marks flickering on and off above it?”

Twilight smiled to Rayne and decided to first answer him. “Oh right, sorry. This is a special map that will sometimes call ponies to solve a friendship problem that is happening somewhere in or around Equestria. But for the last four days it has been showing different cutie marks in different areas as if it can't make up its mind yet. We haven't quite figured out what it means yet.” She said bashfully.

“Oh.” Was all Rayne said. But to himself he was sternly worrying, “Wait, it's doing WHAT?! For the last FOUR DAYS?! That's how long I'VE been here. This isn't good.”

Now Twilight turned back to answer Applejack. “I don't have all the details yet. It seems the love magic of the Crystal Heart is overloading. Hehe there have even been reports that the snowy fields beyond the Crystal Empire are melting further and further away do to its power.” Twilight giggled at the thought of such intense love magic.

“WHAT?! IT CAN'T!” Everypony suddenly jumped in their seats as a panicked shout suddenly came from the only stallion in the room. They all looked at Rayne confused as to why he sounded so vehemently upset. But then even more startling was that every fluttering cutie mark on the map suddenly shot to the empty fields beyond the Crystal Empire. Now Twilight and Rarity's cutie marks were the only ones on the map and they were both holding very solidly. The two of them checked their flanks but there was still no glowing from them though. During this Rayne had been just staring intently at the map as a bead of sweat ran down his brow. His mind was totally in it's own little world as he thought, “The snow can't be melting! That can't happen! If it does ponies might start exploring the further areas beyond! I can't let that happen before I get to go there MYSELF DAMMIT! And I'm not ready to go there yet!”

Suddenly a hoof slapped him right in the shoulder bringing him back to reality. “HEY!” Rainbow Dash yelled. Looking up he realized that everyone was staring at him. “Are you okay?! You yelled and then started zoning off there pretty hard.”

Now Rayne laughed looking a bit embarrassed. “Oh uh, sorry. Where I grew up it isn't possible for there to be snow. I was hoping that one day I might be able to visit the Crystal Empire and build snow ponies and such. But I won't get to if all the snow melts away.” He lied. But Pinkie's reply came as little comfort to what his secret worries were really about.

“Oh well then you're in luck silly. Because during the winter season we get lots of snow right here in Ponyville! Yay!” She cheered but most other ponies were concerned about the map having changed right in time with Rayne shouting.

“Anyways,” Twilight said, trying to get back on topic, “the other princesses would like all of us to go to Crystal Empire to help with the heart. Oh and Spike, you've been asked to come too because they want to question you and Rarity about what happened that night.” None of the other ponies caught it but Rayne saw when Starlight suddenly had a skeptical gaze. She nudged Twilight and glanced to the map and then glanced to Rayne. Twilight nodded while the others had been discussing the trip to themselves. “You know Rayne, you're our friend now and everypony seems to enjoy your company.” Twilight did sound as if she were being sincere but being a skillful manipulator himself, Rayne wasn't going to miss the cues when someone was trying to be coy with him. “If you want to see the Crystal Empire then you'd be welcome to come with us. Maybe you could even help explain to the princesses how you got the idea that Rarity and Spike would make a good couple.”

Nopony else caught onto what Twilight meant by that last comment but Rayne certainly did. “So, I'm back to being a suspect already.” Rayne thought. “Oh well, that doesn't matter right now compared to the fact that everything I have planned is about to FALL APART! Hmm I don't know, maybe I can go to the empire and find ‘it’ first…. But no, that won't work. I don't exactly have pockets to hide it in if I find it. And I don't know how to hide things in my mane like freaking Deadpony over there does.” He growled to himself while looking at Pinkie. He knew he needed to give Twilight an answer but he couldn't help looking further to the south on the map and thinking. “Whether I'm running out of time or not, there is only one way for my plan to succeed. And that means, somehow, I first have to go to….”

“WHAT IN TARNATION?!” Applejack suddenly yelled while Twilight had been waiting for Rayne to say something. Everyone gasped in surprise as they all heard the noise of some ponies flank sparkling. Applejack stood up and saw that she was glowing. Looking to the cutie map they all saw that Twilight and Rarity's cutie marks were gone. There was only one cutie mark on the map now and it was showing Applejack’s mark right above, “Tartarus?! For real?! The map is actually sending me to Tartarus?! NOW?!” Applejack complained.

“No!” Twilight yelled. But Starlight had been ignoring the others and gasped surprised noticing that Rayne's eyes had moved right to that spot on the map just before Applejack’s cutie mark had appeared. “You can't go now! The princesses said that they want ALL the ponies of harmony. Why would the map call you away now?!” Twilight complained feeling sorrowful as well as frustrated.

“Dag nabbit! I don't even want to go!” Applejack argued, feeling even more frustrated than Twilight.

Then all of the girls were surprised when they heard the stallion speak up. “I don't blame you Applejack. Isn't Tartarus supposed to be a terrible place? No pony should want to go there. But… if you have to go, I wouldn't mind escorting you to make sure you stay safe. I'm not super powerful but I can teleport us away if something attacks you.”

Pinkie Pie gave an adorable cheer now. “Awwwwww! Rayne you would go to TARTARUS for a friend to make sure they're okay? That is soooooo sweet!”

Although Twilight had a more concerned opinion. “While that is very noble of you Rayne, I'm afraid that I couldn't let you endanger yourself for one of our missions.” But then Applejack’s cutie mark suddenly went out on the map.

Twilight though was started by Starlight looking very surprised all of a sudden. Quickly the apprentice grabbed onto her teachers hoof and desperately said, “Oh come on Twilight! Let Rayne be a gentlepony! You don't want Applejack going to Tartarus alone do you? Rayne is offering. The rest of us can go to the Crystal Empire without her and Rayne can escort Applejack back once they finish with whatever they have to do in Tartarus.” She grinned super wide and really close to Twilight's face. But just then she whispered between her teeth so that only Twilight could hear her. “Agree with me!”

“Uh, okay.” Twilight said. Almost immediately Applejack’s cutie mark started glowing again.

Starlight screamed and dragged Twilight right out of her chair. “I'M SORRY! TWILIGHT I NEED YOUR HELP WITH THE MEDICINE CABINET! PLEASE EXCUSE US EVERYPONY, WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK!”

Everyone sat there quiet and a little surprised for a moment. But then Applejack turned towards Rayne. “So uh, hey. Are you serious? No pony would make you do this ya know. Are you saying you would really go to Tartarus of all places with me, just to make sure I'm alright?” Applejack was trying to stay humble but she was clearly very touched by his caring offer.

Rayne just nodded and said with a smirk. “Nothing would make me happier.” He noticed out of the corner of his eye Rainbow Dash seemed a little upset but he couldn't quite place what had happened to upset her. Focusing on Applejack now he said, “I promise to let no harm come to you. Just give me one hour to get ready and I'll stick by your side no matter what we face.”

From across the table Rayne heard Spike say, “Uh, this all got really complicated. Are we sure about this?”

But Rarity just cuddled Spike up and then smiled looking into Rayne's eyes. “Don't you fret Spikey Wikey. If it is a promise from Rayne then I would bet on every outfit that I have ever made that he will come through for her.”

**Author's Ending Note** So now the Mane Six are reunited against a new situation disturbing the peace of Equestria. But just what is it that they are supposed to face? Too much love in the Crystal Heart? How will they face it if they aren't all together? Applejack is certainly in a predicament that she never thought she'd be in. And is Starlight too clever for Rayne's own good? Also what does Rayne suddenly need one hour for before leaving? All these answers are coming! Thank you for reading!
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The Author Jumps Worlds (MLP)